Memorial day and start of the Summer - Rector's Rambling for May 25, 2014

A blessed Memorial Day weekend to everyone!  This unofficial start of summer is always a weekend of hope for the warmer, pleasant weeks ahead, as well as introspection on the sacrifice made for us by those who served and died for our country.

With the warmer weather people do more travel and outdoor activities.  Some families in the parish are thoroughly entrenched in youth baseball, with multiple games scheduled each week and weekend.  Golf and sailing are enjoyed by many.  Additionally this summer, there will be family gatherings, summer camps, and evenings at the community parks and swimming pools.  St. John’s neighborhood will be buzzing with Tigers Baseball, The Motor City Hoedown (next weekend), weekend festivals, and a few big concerts and conventions at Comerica Park and Ford Field.

But first things first.  With all the temptations to be busy this summer, our regular attendance at Church is vital, because all those things listed above will pass away, but our faith in Jesus and involvement in His church has eternal consequences.  Please be sure to not let your recreation get you out of the habit of being regular about attending Sunday worship.

We also look back in thanksgiving and remembrance of the sacrifice made by countless Americans for the preservation of our freedoms.  Although the “picnic/start of summer” will be in the forefront of most people’s minds this weekend, please take time tomorrow on Memorial Day to thank God for these sacrifices.

A Collect for Memorial Days

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country.  Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord.  Amen.